I got out of paying once for flying durring the tour de france because of a jetblue promotion! hahah it was awesome. I fly all the time and have never paid >$50 and it's usually only 35. About packing it, I usually get some foam piping... I think it's air conditioning insulation or something and put that arround all of the tubes and for a little bit of padding. I also use all of the plastic frame savers and things that go on the ends of the axles. I try to keep it pretty light so that I don't have too much trouble carrying it arround. See if you can get someone to help you get to the airport... it's a pain in the arse carrying a bike box arround especially if it's full of clothes.